Opposition urges province to keep buffalo park open

The province's Opposition is urging the P.E.I.government to keep Buffalo Land Provincial Park open.

The 40-hectare park, near Wood Islands in the eastern end of the province, is home to 25 buffalo and has a free day-use area, but it doesn't get much use.

The buffalo, a gift from the province of Alberta in 1973, are difficult to see in the summer because they spend most of the time in the shade of the woods.

Tourism Minister Rob Henderson said the park costs taxpayers between $15,000 and $40,000per year, depending on circumstances.

Opposition Tourism Critic James Aylward said the government should consider alternative uses for the park.

"If you look at the marketing campaign within tourism, the park is barely even mentioned.There could be other options too," he said.

"It'd be interesting to see if the Atlantic Vet College isinterested in getting involved as a teaching facility as well for some of their students that are going to be going into the large animal practice."

Aylward said a campsite at the park should also be an option.